Mission

The mission of the Physics Program at Truman State University is to support the liberal learning of all students at Truman State University by teaching well, and by broadly espousing the notion that the pursuit of understanding in physics is worthwhile, interesting and deeply satisfying; to support students whose primary field of study overlaps with physics (for example, chemistry, biology, medicine, and mathematics); and to provide physics majors with the knowledge, skills, methods, and attitudes necessary to understand and engage professionally in inquiry into the nature and behavior of the physical world.

Goals

General

1. To help students appreciate and understand the process of science, in particular its ever-changing nature, the fact that it is a human endeavor, the back and forth between experiment and abstract reasoning, and the importance of internal consistency;
2. To stimulate life-long, independent learning;
3. To awaken and nurture appreciation for the beauty of physics;
4. To contribute to a realistic understanding of technology and its role in society.

Specific

To provide an environment where all our students:

1. Develop a broad and coherent knowledge of physics;
2. Experience activities unique to scientific research;
3. Develop positive work habits, including collaboration, self-discipline, high aspirations, responsibility and honesty;
4. Are successful in graduate school, professional school, engineering school, or in the workforce.

Student Learning Outcomes

Physics Majors

Upon completion of a physics program at Truman State University, physics majors will

1. have obtained a thorough grounding in the ideas and methodologies of physics;
2. have studied an area of physics in depth, and have presented findings both orally and in writing;
3. be prepared to be successful in their ensuing endeavors.

Other Students: LSP Physical Science Mode Outcomes

Upon completion of the Physical Science Mode of Inquiry, students will:

1. have engaged in scientific experimentation, including the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and aspects of experimental design;
2. understand how scientific theories are evaluated and applied;
3. have learned and used symbolic language, made quantitative measurements, and applied the tools of mathematics to interpret these measurements and to solve quantitative problems; and
4. recognize some of the issues in the physical sciences that influence society, and have acquired familiarity with some of the technical language and basic theories of science that inform personal and public decision making.